As 2016 draws to a close, your thoughts are likely focused on the upcoming new year. But before we venture into the month of January, there’s one important duty to undertake: properly welcoming 2017! Here are ten towns in Michigan where you can celebrate New Year’s Eve in style.
1. Grand Rapids
Downtown Grand Rapids is full of hotels, and you’ll want to visit during the city’s annual New Year’s Eve celebrations. Multiple hotel ballrooms come to life with dancing, music, and themed parties — this is one bash you’ll never forget.
2. Detroit
Head to downtown Detroit for "The Drop," an annual celebration that features everything from kid-friendly karaoke to food trucks to an early ball-drop celebration that won’t keep you up past your bedtime!
3. Marquette
Head north for a romantic evening of celebrations in downtown Marquette. Watch as a massive, brightly decorated ball is lowered from the top of the historic Savings Bank Building, and share a midnight kiss with your loved one.
4. Traverse City
Drop by at the annual "CherryT" Ball Drop, which perfectly combines the generous spirit of the holidays with a celebration of the incoming year. Bring a non-perishable food item and await the dropping of a cherry-shaped ball.
5. Mackinac Island
No matter when you visit, Mackinac Island is an absolutely magical destination. If you stop by on New Year’s Eve, you’ll be charmed by a celebratory spirit and plenty of specials at local eateries.
6. Ludington
Ludington comes to life each New Year’s with a joyous downtown celebration. Enjoy the annual "Light Up The Lake" celebration and stick around for beautiful fireworks over Lake Michigan following the ball drop.
7. Harbor Springs
Check out the beautiful Torchlight Parade and head to Nub’s Nob Ski Area for a little outdoor fun before the late-night celebrations. The best part? These gatherings are completely free of charge.
8. Charlevoix
Before sundown, check out the town’s family-friendly celebrations, which will include a petting zoo, bonfires, and a snowman-building competition. When night sets in, get your party on at one of many local bars and await the ball drop.
9. Lexington
If you’re a fan of "The Voice," then Lexington is the place you need to be this New Year’s Eve. Singer Laith Al-Saadi, who was a finalist on the show, will perform at the Lexington Village Theatre to help ring in 2017.
10. Port Huron
You’ll be charmed by the annual Anchor Drop in Port Huron, which is just what it sounds like: the release of a beautifully decorated anchor in place of a typical New Year’s Eve ball. Talk about a unique way to welcome 2017!
Does your family have any awesome New Year’s Eve celebrations? Tell us all about them in the comment section. Celebrate responsibly!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.